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What is a Mobile ATM?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A mobile automated teller machine (ATM) is a special type of ATM. Most ATMs are meant to be stationary, and they’re often found attached to the side of financial institutions, in stores, and in malls. A mobile ATM machine, on the other hand, is meant to be moved from location to location. This type of ATM is often found at special events for which ATM service is only needed temporarily. For example, they may be found at carnivals, fairs, and parades. They may also be used at seminars and workshops when there is no regular ATM nearby.

Mobile ATMs are usually self-contained units that don’t need a building or enclosure. Usually, a mobile ATM can be placed in just about any location and can transmit transaction information wirelessly, so there's no need to have a phone line handy. Mobile ATMs may, however, require access to an electrical source, though there are some capable of running on alternative sources of power. Often, these units are constructed of weather-resistant materials, so they can be used in practically any type of weather conditions. Additionally, these machines typically have internal heating and air conditioning units that help keep them functional despite the temperature of the environment.

Mobile ATMs are an asset in areas where there are few traditional banks with ATM machines.
Mobile ATMs are an asset in areas where there are few traditional banks with ATM machines.

In many cases, mobile ATMs are equipped with safety features. This can be important for inspiring confidence in the people who want to use them. If a potential customer feels that using a mobile ATM places him at risk, he may be far less likely to withdraw money and spend it at an event. To help ATM users feel more secure, a mobile ATM often comes equipped with fluorescent lighting, and some come equipped with canopies as well. By placing a mobile ATM in a bright, well-exposed area of an event, an event planner can further help ensure user security.

Mobile ATMs are often located in shopping malls for customers.
Mobile ATMs are often located in shopping malls for customers.

While a business owner or event planner could depend on nearby ATMs to serve his customers, a mobile ATM can also provide financial benefits. For example, if an event attendee has to leave an event to get cash from another machine, he may be less likely to spend money at the event. A mobile ATM, however, makes it easy for people to make impulse purchases without searching for an ATM. This type of ATM may also make it easier for event vendors to make money, even if they do not have credit card terminals. If easy access to an ATM isn’t provided, on the other hand, event attendees may be less likely to spend money with vendors who cannot take credit cards.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a EasyTechJunkie writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a EasyTechJunkie writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lluviaporos

@croydon - I'd still only use a mobile ATM if I absolutely had to. They are usually only in place when there is something on like a special event and I would never assume there was going to be one at a place like that. It's just common sense to bring cash if you aren't sure there are going to be other ways to pay for things.

Besides, there's always a ridiculous line in front of things like that and the last thing anyone is going to want while they are at a parade or whatever, is to stand in line waiting for a chance to get some money to buy balloons.

croydon

@Fa5t3r - I'd imagine they would actually be safer in some ways simply because of the increased security. Most of the time there is someone on hand to either monitor or outright operate the mobile ATM in my experience. I think they usually have a dozen cameras watching it as well. I've never had trouble with an ATM that wasn't immediately fixed by the bank in question anyway and I think mobile ATMs would be the same.

Fa5t3r

I'm not sure I'd be comfortable using a mobile ATM and it's not because they are generally more exposed to potential crime. I've had more than one ATM make mistakes like not giving out enough money or not giving out any money at all but still registering a transaction, and I frankly, don't trust them. And if an ATM attached to a bank is bad, then one that's in the middle of nowhere would be a hundred times worse, with much more potential for mistakes, particularly if it's catering to an event and is experiencing a large flow of people.

I'd rather just plan ahead and get money out before I arrive somewhere.

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    • Mobile ATMs are an asset in areas where there are few traditional banks with ATM machines.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Mobile ATMs are an asset in areas where there are few traditional banks with ATM machines.
    • Mobile ATMs are often located in shopping malls for customers.
      By: Photocreo Bednarek
      Mobile ATMs are often located in shopping malls for customers.
    • Mobile ATMs typically only need a power source to operate.
      By: L. Shat
      Mobile ATMs typically only need a power source to operate.